Inspiring Offices: 10 Creative Workspace Environments

Last Updated on January 18, 2018

Workplaces – much like the work that goes on in them – have changed a lot since the stuffy days of badly cut suits and beige cubicles. Somewhere around the 90s Internet start-up boom, techy 20-somethings began whizzing around abandoned factories on segways and tricycles. Larger companies began considering the benefits of investing in unique and inspiring working environments.

We all know companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter have playground-esque offices with games, gym facilities, and plenty of open spaces. But what about other companies? We’re currently seeing a huge trend, where companies are finally realizing that creating a comfortable working environment increases productivity among their employees.

Who would’ve thought that putting people in jail cells called “cubicles” decreases their willingness, servitude, and creative abundance. I know that might seem a bit dramatic, but if you technically think about it prison inmates have more freedom that most office workers.

Today we will take a look at more unique approaches to creative environments for work. Enjoy!

Built in an atomic bunker, this office looks more like a Bond villain’s hideout. Rather than laser-mounted sharks, however, it houses a humble Swedish internet provider’s data centre. Check out the diverse range of lighting, that ‘Silent Running‘ style work space, and the ultra-ominous meeting room!

Created as a budget solution to a temporary space problem, this all-pallet office looks like a life-size Lego project. Pallets were stacked, chopped, and arranged to form stairs, desks and even decorative features. The result is an office with plenty of natural wood tones on display, and a functional, but playful atmosphere.

Natural elements are all too rare in most work places. A shame considering they’re known to reduce stress, improve air quality, and always look great. This cross-pollination between sleek futuristic lines and wild fauna looks like something from an apocalyptic 70s sci-fi flick, but the wild-overgrowth is balanced beautifully by well-crafted natural contours in the structural design. Intelligently hued lighting brings everything together and makes the entire building look invitingly peaceful from outside.

Despite their CEO blogging about offices being a thing of the past, Virgin Airlines decided to put some effort into redesigning a lot of their offices. Accommodating the fact their workforce was quite young, they implemented street-style art and quirky touches like ‘car-park dating’, Hitchcock references, chalkboard walls, and faux-wooden door lifts in as many places as they could. They consciously stayed away from over-using the Virgin colours and branding (a good thing considering the outside world is full of it!).

Red Bull have exploded as a company over the past decade. Major sponsorships, F1 racing, and a knack for grabbing attention in any endeavour to have set the company apart. They’ve continued that ethos with their workspaces – every aspect of this London-based office shows a unique perspective or creative flourish. From flat-carved sofa seats, to a functioning slide alongside the stairs, to a rooftop reception that turns into a bar at night – this is one of the most interesting workplaces in the world.

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Posted by:Johnny Peters

Johnny Peters has a varied history as both a designer of video game and desktop publishing elements. He is currently working on a book about the history of guitar design, and regularly blogs about architecture, music, and his beloved Arsenal.